Page 85 of Avery's Hero

I’m breathless already by the time he closes the door. Being close to Brock is dangerous for my circuitry.

He’s bristling with sexual energy and something else as he leaves the fire station and drives through town. I nearly gnaw a hole in my jaw.

I’ve almost texted him a dozen times in the last few days, but tried not to impose my dread on the situation. Finally, I can’t stand it anymore. “Has anyone mentioned—us?”

“No. No one’s said a thing.”

“I’m sure your men know something’s up. Do you think they will support you, or do you think someone will say something to an official?”

I haven’t brought up my conversation with Reeves about Frank. It’s so awkward, I’m not even sure what I’d say.

This whole thing makes me feel like a criminal. I feel so corrupt for doing something that is clearly a violation of county policy.

That’s just who I am. I hate breaking the law. It’s why I drive two miles under the limit. Get my car inspected weeks before it expires, and pay my taxes before they are due. I never even let a parking meter run out.

All of which I’m pretty sure Brock would think is funny.

Differences like this are what make relationships hard. I’m running my brain on the spin cycle and he looks like he’s taking a Sunday drive on the coast highway.

He’s got one hand draped over the wheel, one casually resting on his thigh. In this light, he doesn’t look as tired. Damn, he actually looks good. Even though our situation isjacked, I can’t stop looking at him and remembering how it felt to be the object of his affection.

It’s nearly impossible for me to drag my eyes away from those sexy fingers that made me feel so good until he says, “I’m not sure about what they’ll do, but I know how to head things off at the pass.”

“Okay, I know what that statement means, but I can’t figure out how it would apply to this situation.”

“I’m going to see the mayor this afternoon.”

My mouth drops open so fast it makes a very inelegant sound.

He glances at me. “I’m not going to let some rumor get there first.”

I’m literally choking on the rocks that suddenly found their way into my throat. “But what… what will you say?”

“I’ll tell them the truth.”

That’s when I remember exactly what Brock is. A man that’s faced more than one bomb in his lifetime.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

When I rap a knuckle on the heavy wooden door of the mayor’s office, the man spins his chair and looks up.

“Chief Mitchell. Come in.”

“Thanks. This won’t take long.”

He makes a pfft sound and holds up a miniature golf-club. “Take all the time you like, I was just practicing my putt. No meetings this afternoon.”

I fight the eye-roll. Glad someone’s not busy. The men in my department are doing enough for everyone, I guess.

“If this is about the budget for those upgrades, I’ve got you covered. The former chief harassedme to no end. I should be able to get you a quarter of what you asked for next month.”

I raise a brow. “A quarter?”

“The rest won’t be far behind.”

“Good. We need a lot of updated equipment.”

“I understand. You guys do a fine job, though. Fine. But I’m starting to worry about these business fires.”